A new concrete podium more than half the size of Twickenham’s rugby pitch has been successfully lifted into position over the platforms at Twickenham station as part of a major redevelopment project which will deliver a new station, homes and businesses to the area at no cost to the taxpayer.

The podium was installed over a single weekend and represents a major milestone in the station’s exciting transformation.

The Twickenham redevelopment project is being delivered by Solum, a partnership between Network Rail and Kier Property, with contractor Osborne delivering the building works.

When complete the new station will feature a host of benefits including a significantly larger ticket office and lifts to the platforms. The redevelopment will also provide a brand new gateway to the area, delivering 115 new homes and transforming the surrounding space with a new public plaza, shops, additional cycle parking, and a new pedestrian walk way along the River Crane.

Leigh Thomas, Director at Kier Property and a Solum Board Member said:

“The installation of the podium marks the completion of a significant milestone in the transformation of Twickenham station. We are delighted with the collective efficiency and skill of the whole project team in completing this enormous engineering challenge. With the podium complete, work has now started on the new station building that will sit on top of it.

“Solum would like to thank residents and commuters for their patience and understanding, as we work to deliver a new, modern and larger station for Twickenham.”

Twickenham station is one of a number of projects Solum is bringing forward for development across London and the South East to deliver new homes and station improvements around transport infrastructure. The 115 homes above Twickenham station are part of a pipeline of over 1,000 new homes that Solum is delivering. This is part of Network Rail’s ambitious plans to release land for around 12,000 new homes nationally by 2020, across almost 200 sites.

David Biggs, Managing Director at Network Rail Property said:

“Network Rail is committed to releasing land for new housing and transport improvements across the country and we are pleased with the progress that is being made in Twickenham.

“Solum was established to attract private investment into the railway, providing funding for improvements to stations and their surrounding environments at no cost to the taxpayer and at Twickenham we are doing just that.

“When completed, the scheme will deliver significant benefits to station users and the local community, including a brand new station as well as new housing, jobs and new businesses.”

The podium works were carried out between 1.20am on Saturday 28th April 2018 and 4:20am Monday 30th April.

Chris Hickman, Senior Project Lead for Osborne added:

“The installation of the podium required over 120 people working a combined total of 1850 personnel hours over a 48-hour period. We are proud of the collective efforts of our whole team who successfully completed this essential piece of the puzzle quickly, efficiently and ahead of schedule.”

A sales launch is planned for later in 2018, with the first 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes due to be completed in 2019.